Dispersed camping near Catskill, New York offers numerous backcountry sites located in state forests at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 feet. Most primitive campsites follow the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation regulations which permit camping on state land below 3,500 feet and at least 150 feet from any road, trail, or water source. Winter temperatures in the region regularly drop below freezing from November through March, requiring specialized cold-weather gear.
What to do
Hiking to mountain summits: Denning Trailhead provides access to challenging trails leading to Catskill peaks. "Great camping spots about 1.5 mile hike in from Denning Trailhead. A lot of spots right by the river. Great spot to camp and then wake up to hike to tabletop/ peekamoose mountain," explains Ali B., who notes that additional shelter is available near the summit.
Stream fishing: Betty Brook Camp offers streamside camping with easy access to fishing spots. Robert B. describes it as "Remote. Sometimes you never see anyone. Sometimes you see some people. You camp on the stream. There is a couple of spots." The brook contains native brook trout and is stocked seasonally.
Trail exploration: Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park features extensive trail networks through protected forests. "There is plenty of trails to explore and wildlife to enjoy, especially since these over 900 acres also back up to another huge plot of protected forests," shares Doc B., highlighting the extensive opportunities for day hiking.
Wildlife observation: Morning hours at Duck Pond Campsite provide opportunities for birdwatching and spotting local wildlife. "The pond is small so the mosquitos were not too bad. So few people passed by and very unknown quite and we just loved the experience," reports Yae U., describing the peaceful setting conducive to wildlife viewing.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Betty Brook Camp receives praise for its seclusion and quiet setting. Peter notes, "It is rather remote, but it is right along West kill road. There's a stream alongside it, a fire pit, and a town about 8 mi away. It's a small town, with just a gas station store."
Year-round accessibility: Burnt Rossman State Forest provides camping options during colder months. "Was a great location for winter camping. Site easily accessible from road. Beautiful, peaceful, great time!" reports felix R., confirming the area remains usable during winter months when many developed campgrounds close.
Stream sounds: Streamside camping sites provide natural white noise that enhances sleep quality. "You camp on the stream," states Robert B. about Betty Brook Camp, highlighting how the proximity to moving water creates a natural soundscape that masks other noises and enhances the camping experience.
Cell service in remote areas: Despite the wilderness feel, several sites maintain basic connectivity. At Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park, Doc B. notes, "Less then 10 min drive from town, but hiking in and finding a suitable place to make camp has the feeling of the wild, with the safety of having full cell service."
What you should know
Road condition challenges: Access to many dispersed camping areas involves unpaved forest roads that can deteriorate in wet conditions. Yae U. advises about Duck Pond Campsite: "After driving unpaved dirt road for a while, we arrived a surprisingly well maintained beautiful campsites... Just be careful driving in the sometimes rough conditions."
Vehicle size limitations: Many dispersed sites cannot accommodate larger vehicles. Tim M. warns about Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park: "There's only a few spots, and the road is narrow with not much turnaround room, I wouldn't recommend for trailers or RVs."
Limited amenities: Most sites have fire rings but few other facilities. At Allaben Primitive Campsites, Breanne H. found "Nice spot right off the main road and close to town. Small pond-don't think there are any fish. Picnic table. Fire pit with cooking griddle."
Seasonal bug pressure: Insect activity varies by location and season. Kate notes about Echo Lake: "it can get swampy near the edge of the lake so you may want to bring bug spray." This reflects the typical conditions around water sources throughout the Catskills.
Tips for camping with families
Shorter access options: Allaben Primitive Campsites offers easier access for families with young children. "Nice spot right off the main road and close to town," notes Breanne H., mentioning "Trails to the fishing access across the road" that provide recreation without lengthy hikes.
Safety considerations: Cell service reliability varies throughout the region. The L. cautions about Duck Pond Campsite: "Intermittent cell service which was frightening while driving on these rough roads," highlighting the importance of emergency preparedness when camping with children.
Water access: Sites near gentle streams or small ponds provide natural play areas. Betty Brook Camp includes stream access that allows for shallow water exploration, while Allaben features a small pond suitable for young visitors.
Weather preparedness: Mountain weather can change rapidly at higher elevations. Temperature differences between valleys and ridges can exceed 15°F, requiring families to pack additional layers even for summer camping trips.
Tips from RVers
Clearance requirements: The L. advises about Duck Pond Campsite: "The road in on old cemetery rd was pretty rough, so we decided to go out the other way, which was way worse... the years taken off the life of my truck was not worth it." This highlights the importance of high-clearance vehicles for many dispersed sites.
Smaller rigs only: Compact RVs and truck campers have more options in the area. Tim M. observes about Taconic Hereford: "This spot is easy to find and access... There's only a few spots, and the road is narrow with not much turnaround room, I wouldn't recommend for trailers or RVs."
Limited turnaround space: Many forest roads lack suitable areas to turn larger vehicles. At Betty Brook Camp, Peter advises, "I would not recommend this for large trailers. The site is fairly small, but it's in state park, and there's tons of walking that can be done."
Seasonal road conditions: Winter and spring can make access more challenging. The Burnt Rossman State Forest campsite review from felix R. mentions it being "easily accessible from road" during winter, but notes that conditions vary seasonally.
